Cosmetic cures

Bridgette Jones has the most effective hair and make-up tricks up her sleeve

There’s no point in painting your nails with pretty, cool colours if they’re not in good condition. So, it’s crucial to lay the foundation for healthy and beautiful nails first. Follow these tips and you’ll be flaunting well-groomed nails in no time at all.

For starters, keep the tips of your nails slightly square or oval and not pointed. This will prevent them from breaking. Remember that filing low into the corner and sides will weaken the nails.

Moisturise your nails daily with a nourishing oil or cream. This helps seal the moisture in the nails and prevents flaking and splitting. A tiny drop of olive or coconut oil is a great alternative.

Do not cut cuticles with scissors as this can lead to infection and will weaken the nail bed. Instead, soak your nails in warm soap water to soften the cuticles. Then apply cuticle softening cream before gently pushing them back with a clean cotton bud.

Avoid using acetone nail polish removers as these can strip the nails of essential moisture. Choose the conditioning variety of nail polish removers instead.

Apply hand cream every time you wash your hands. The oils in the cream will help seal the moisture in your nails. If you have very weak nails, then apply a base coat before wearing nail polish just under the tip of the nails to give them extra strength.

Ask your doctor if you need to pop Biotin nutritional supplement tablets. Some recent research suggests that Biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle finger nails.

Never file your nails immediately after a bath, as this is when they are at their weakest and therefore more likely to split. Massage your nail beds — not the cuticle, but the actual nail — as it increases blood flow to the nails, which stimulates nail growth and keeps them healthy.

And when it comes to nail trends, there’s one look that never goes out fashion — the French manicure. It leaves your nails looking clean, fresh and healthy!

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